Loratadine
About
Loratadine belongs to the class of antihistamine medication primarily used to relieve the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever, conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes), eczema, hives (urticaria), reactions to insect bites and stings, and some food allergies. An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as 'allergens.' Allergic condition varies from person to person.
Loratadine contains loratadine, a non-drowsy antihistamine. Loratadine is responsible for reducing the effects of the natural chemical 'histamine' present in the body. This chemical is responsible for producing symptoms, including watery eyes, runny nose, and other allergic symptoms.
Use Loratadine as prescribed by the doctor. Loratadine, like all medications, can have side effects. However, not everyone experiences them. The most prevalent adverse effect is drowsiness or sleepiness. Headaches, fatigue, and nervousness may occur in youngsters. However, these side effects may not last long and go on for some time.
Do not use Loratadine without a doctor's advice if you have a skin reaction or irritation to any medicine. Consult your doctor before using Loratadine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Loratadine in more than prescribed doses or longer duration as it may cause adverse effects. Before taking Loratadine, inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential adverse effects or interactions. Avoiding alcohol is recommended to rule out any possibility of side effects like dizziness. Loratadine is not recommended in children below two years of age.
Uses of Loratadine
Medicinal Benefits
Loratadine is a non-sedating antihistamine. It is less prone to cause sleepiness than other antihistamines. By suppressing histamine action, Loratadine provides immediate relief from allergic reactions and symptoms. Histamine is a chemical that triggers immunological responses and inflammation in the body. Loratadine is commonly used to treat hay fever (pollen or dust allergy), conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes), eczema (dermatitis), hives (red, raised patches or spots), insect bite and sting reactions, and several food allergies.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Loratadine
- Drowsiness
- Sleepiness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before your doctor prescribes Loratadine, tell them if you are sensitive to it or any other component present in this, as it may cause serious allergic reactions in the body. Never try to self-treat yourself with this drug without talking to your doctor, as it may cause serious side effects. If you are a patient with kidney disease, the liver disease, then tell about this to your doctor before they prescribe it to you. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the serious reactions of this drug, especially light-headedness or confusion. Usually, the Loratadine does not cause drowsiness as this medicine does not go inside the brain. However, a person taking it is still not allowed to drive or do any work that needs clear attention.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: The possible drug interaction of Loratadine include a medicine used to treat low blood pressure (midodrine), a medicine used to treat an irregular heartbeat (amiodarone), anti-fungal medications (ketoconazole), an antibiotic (erythromycin), antihypertensives (midodrine), anti-HIV medications (ritonavir), and an indigestion medicine (cimetidine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Consuming large amounts of alcohol and fruit juices, including grapefruit, orange and apple, may decrease the levels of Loratadine in your body.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Persons dealing with liver or kidney disease are not allowed to take Loratadine as it may cause serious illness.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Loratadine as it may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty in concentrating.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedLoratadine is generally safe to take in pregnancy. If you have concerns, discuss them with the doctor before taking Loratadine.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult the doctor. Loratadine should be used in breastfeeding mothers only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionAlthough Loratadine did not cause drowsiness, some persons are susceptible to it. However, avoiding driving or any task needing mental alert is advised.
Liver
cautionLoratadine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionLoratadine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeLoratadine is not recommended for children below two years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to include peppers, berries, parsley, and onion in your diet, as these foods have quercetin, a natural chemical that reduces histamine effects.
- Include Kiwi and other vitamin C-rich food in your daily diet as it may reduce the histamine effects.
- An enzyme known as 'bromelain' is present in pineapple that helps reduce allergic response in the body, so eat it too for good health.
- Honey is a complete food that helps to deal with all types of allergies. Take small doses of it regularly.
- Avoid going in grassy open spaces in the evening, night, and morning as the pollen count is high during these times, and it may trier allergic symptoms.
- Avoid every place contaminated with fur and dander as it may worsen the allergic response.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander. Loratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine which makes less likely to make you feel sleepy compared to other antihistamines or antiallergics.
Hay fever: Hay fever/allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with the mouth, nose, eyes and throat. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears, loss of smell, pain around the temples and forehead, headache, earache and feeling tired.
Eczema: Eczema is a condition in which skin patches become inflamed, itchy, cracked and rough. Some eczema types can also lead to blisters (a small bubble on the skin filled with serum) and are caused by friction, burning, or other damage.
Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It is also known as red or pink eye. Redness, itching, and tears of the eyes are symptoms. It can also cause discharge or crusting around the eyes.
FAQs
Loratadine contains loratadine, a non-drowsy antihistamine. Loratadine is responsible for reducing the effects of the natural chemical 'histamine' present in the body. This chemical is responsible for producing symptoms, including watery eyes, runny nose, and other allergic symptoms.
No, a person already on anti-allergic medications is not allowed to use Loratadine as it may enhance the CNS depression activity leading to serious side effects. When you consult with their doctor for the first time, tell them everything, about the medications you are using and what is your past medical and drug history.
Yes, name Loratadine is beneficial in treating the itching and other symptoms including red itchy bumps, blotches, etc caused by chronic urticaria.
A person taking Loratadine for their allergic symptoms may face side effects including drowsiness, fatigue, etc., however, these side effects may pass soon. If symptoms get worsen day by day, then take medical help.
Although there are fewer possible chances that Loratadine may make a person drowsy, however, some persons are susceptible to it. Avoid driving or operating any machine.
The dosage suggested to you by the doctor is according to your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. So, complete the course of the drug as told by the doctor and do not make any change in dosage without asking the doctor.
